Version 7 of the BlackBerry operating system introduced a handful of iterative upgrades, including managing which icon panels were present and a new Liquid Graphics rendering engine which significantly improved browser performance. Thanks to new magnetic compass hardware, and a new graphical overlay framework, BlackBerry 7 also introduced support for augmented reality apps. Other hardware features, such as NFC, were also accommodated in the new software. We also started seeing voice-activated universal search in BlackBerry 7. A later update, BlackBerry 7.1, included mobile hotspot functionality and a device analyzer to diagnose problems. BlackBerry 7 was originally to be branded as version 6.1, though that changed before it went live through the launch of the BlackBerry Bold 9900.

Timeline Beta

Jun 09, 2014
The BlackBerry Bold 9900 makes a return to ShopBlackBerry in North America

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Here's an odd one - The good old BlackBerry Bold 9900 has appeared once again in ShopBlackBerry. Currently the device is available for pre-order only, with shipments expected to be despatched around June 18th.

Apr 08, 2014
The best apps and games for your BlackBerry 7 smartphone - 2014 edition

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After hearing the latest earnings call from BlackBerry it's clear that legacy devices are still outselling BlackBerry 10 devices by a good margin. BlackBerry have also confirmed that they will continue to support BlackBerry 7 for the foreseeable future, which isn't a bad thing.

I don't mind admitting that I don't turn on my BlackBerry Bold 9900 as often as I should, but that's because the OS feels dated to me after spending over a year with BlackBerry 10. However, if consumers are still going out and picking up BlackBerry 7 handsets, there are still some awesome apps & games to be had. Here's a selection of what I would consider to be 'must have' apps for legacy device users.

When the BlackBerry 9720 started to appear many BlackBerry 10 owners scoffed at the the idea of running a BlackBerry 7.1 device again but the fact is, there's still several markets where that device will do well. With that under consideration, we've already seen plenty of images of the 9720 in action but some new videos from BerryInsider have now popped up on YouTube showing off the device as well.

Jul 06, 2013
New BlackBerry 7 device appears set to arrive as the BlackBerry 9720

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During the BlackBerry Q1 2014 conference call, BlackBerry CEO, Thorsten Heins let it be known a new BlackBerry 7 device would be released soon. Before that, there was plenty of rumors one was coming but that sealed the deal for it. At this point, there's no official branding for the device that we're aware of but there is plenty of references in recent builds of BlackBerry Desktop Manager that suggest it will be a 'Curve' series device. But with that being said, we've seen stuff change before so alas, wait and see how it gets branded. Aside from that, the UAProf (viewable in Firefox) required for it has appeared on the BlackBerry website and confirms a few other details about the device.

Mar 04, 2013
BlackBerry Experience Pods start to roll out in the Philippines

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These new pods are pretty swish. BlackBerry Philippines are rolling out BlackBerry Experience Pods across the country in order to promote their product range. Currently BlackBerry 10 is not yet available in the Philippines, however the word on the street is that they will have their official launch event this week. Even once BlackBerry 10 does roll out it is quite clear that BlackBerry 7 devices are still huge in the Philippines and that will continue for some time until the current user base has made the transition over to BB10. Continue Reading →

Feb 25, 2013
Want some BB10 theme action on your BlackBerry Bold 9900? You can with Seven Point Ten from BBThemes

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Looking to give your BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 a new lease of life? Why not give it a slice of BlackBerry 10 with a fresh new theme from BBThemes? Many of the BlackBerry 7 icons have been given an overhaul and elements of BlackBerry 10 and the PlayBook OS have been injected - and it looks real sweet.

Jan 12, 2013
RIM still pushing BlackBerry 7 as two new promo videos hit the web

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We may be getting closer and closer to the BlackBerry 10 launch event on January 30th but that isn't stopping RIM from continuing to promote BlackBerry 7. Over on their YouTube channel they have released a couple of new promo videos, each one focusing on a specific feature of BB7. BlackBerry Tag and Wikitude are featured once again and this clearly goes to show that although many markets around the world are set to launch BB10, there are also some where BB7 is still going to be the focus. That said, until they release some lower end BB10 smartphones, the BB7 devices are still going to be a huge part of the business for RIM.

Over in India, where we know that BlackBerry sales are huge, it seems that the the RIM Premium Stores in Delhi, Gurgaon and Mumbai are now offering an added incentive to get consumers to purchase a new BlackBerry smartphone. Customers will be given, free of charge, a 4GB microSD card with two movies pre-loaded. There are a choice of films for the good people of India to choose from including:

Bodyguard

3 idiots

Rowdy Rathore

Paan Singh Tomar

Remember The Titans

The Rock

Prince of Persia

Pirates of the Caribbean 4

Gone in 60 Seconds

The word on the street is that this offer will end on January 31st - which is just when BlackBerry 10 is announced. Could this be a quick marketing ploy by the Indian RIM stores to shift some BlackBerry 7 devices before the new platform goes live?

With the BlackBerry 10 hype getting bigger and bigger as we draw nearer to 2013, we must not forget that BlackBerry 7 is still around and will be for some considerable time to come. RIM is reminding us of this with a new set of online videos which go to highlight the benefits of using a BlackBerry 7 smartphone over a feature phone. It is one of those videos where you see some footage and then it stops - giving you the choice to either follow BlackBerry Curve guy or feature phone guy. Clearly, BlackBerry Curve guy is always going to have an enriched mobile experience over a feature phone but I suppose this is RIM's way of enforcing the message. And if you watch the videos with the mindset of a feature phone user you will want to ditch your current mobile and pick up a BlackBerry for sure.

If you are in the market for a new BlackBerry, or it is nearly upgrade time, then it seems that a couple of the UK phone retailers are offering the BlackBerry Bold 9790 at a pretty nice price. Orange has the Bold 9790 on sale on pay-as-you-go for £229.99 plus a £10 top up and Carphone Warehouse has it slightly higher at £279.99 plus the same £10 top up.

Considering that buying sim free the device will set you back nearly £300 this really is great value for the money. Most networks here have now rolled out BlackBerry 7.1 for the 9790 and the phone really is a pleasure to use. With Christmas looming up could this be the perfect gift for a loved one?

With the BlackBerry Curve 9360 still selling at £179.99 on Orange I would highly recommend spending the extra cash to get a much better built BlackBerry - with a better battery, great auto focus camera, a touchscreen and a nicer QWERTY keyboard. If you missed our BlackBerry Bold 9790 review please check it out here.

Aug 29, 2012
Application Resource Monitor now available to download for all BlackBerry 7.1 devices

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Depending on what version of BlackBerry 7.1 you have will dictate whether you already have the Application Resource Monitor pre-loaded on your device. Back in June this year RIM announced that the app would be included in future software builds, but with OS versions being so reliant on carriers, many of you will be without it. The app is now available to download from BlackBerry App World for free and may well aid you if you are having issues with battery life on your BlackBerry.

As the name of the app suggests it runs in the background and will automatically scan third party apps and then alert you of any running on your device that may be using up some additional power. You have the option to turn the app on and off and it works a real treat. I have been using it for a while and was quite surprised when it alerted me to an application I have been running on my BlackBerry for years.

The Application Resource Monitor is only available for devices running BlackBerry 7.1 at this time although it would be nice to see some support in the future for BlackBerry 6 users. If your BlackBerry will support the app it is well worth a download. You may interested to see how much battery life is being wasted unintentionally.

Features of the app include:

ARM monitors applications that are not in the user's focus

When an application is in the background

All applications when the display backlight is turned off

Users are notified of applications via the notification banner

Users are able to disable automatic closing of applications

Users can tell ARM to not monitor the application via the notification

Jul 04, 2012
How to enable and use Device Analyzer on BlackBerry 7 smartphones

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The Device Analyzer which is built onto BlackBerry 7 smartphones is in many ways one of the greatest features that was included in the latest OS update. You will need to be running version 7.1, but most carriers have rolled this out now so I am pretty sure you should all be up to date. If not, then this is a great reason to do so.

The Device Analyzer is one of those features on the BlackBerry that many people won't even know exists. It is not a feature that is promoted by RIM so in order to make the best use of it we have a short ‘how to' video. To cut a long story short, Device Analyzer will allow you to monitor applications on your BlackBerry to make sure you are getting the best battery life and power consumption. If you experience WiFi problems the Device Analyzer will tell you. The same applies for if your device drops its connection or you just need to monitor data usage.

These are just an example of some of the features held with Device Analyzer. You can see the short video below and if you have any questions feel free to sound off in the comments.

If you haven’t had a chance to open up App World on your BlackBerry smartphone and download those free BlackBerry 7 apps, then I suggest you do so soon. RIM has just sent out a reminder via their social networking sites that the promotion for the free applications will end on May 31st. The promo started in the U.S. back in March and then was later expanded to include Canada. In the promotion, RIM had included some of the top selling apps that showcase some of the BlackBerry 7 features, apps like BeBuzz, Screen Muncher, BeWeather, and more totaling about $77 in free stuff which is okay in my books.

If you’re able to cash in on the promotion I suggest you do so as it ends on May 31st. I’ve personally downloaded them all, I may not need them now, but I may want them later. The question I really would like to ask is, which apps have the CrackBerry Nation downloaded?

May 15, 2012
Fresco by Pootermobile now available for select OS7 devices!

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Last week I told you about Fresco, the latest theme release by popular theme developer Pootermobile. Little did I realize he had a surprise up his sleeve. By that I mean Pootermobile has released his first OS7 compatible theme for select devices. With the help of two fellow theme developers, BBThemes and drkapprenticeDESIGNS, Pootermobile has seemlessly transitioned the best of the original Fresco to OS7 and the result is brilliant. All of the unique features that made Fresco what it is are there including the smooth looking transparent banner with dedicated weather slot (#19) and the intricately designed icon set.

Now that he's built his first OS7 theme I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next. Fresco is wallpaper friendly (though I prefer the default background), stylish, uses the default OS7 layout, and is compatible with BlackBerry 9350/60, 9790, and 9900/30 running OS7. This vibrant and refreshing theme can be yours for $1.99 in BlackBerry App World.

It appears as though the time has finally come for all the patient Porsche Designed P'9981 owners. CrackBerry forums member Abbas was able to get his P'9981 updated at a recent event in Dubai, and took to the internet to show us what the update will bring. Just yesterday Kevin introduced clubp9981.com for all the P'9981 owners (yes, all 3 of you) and odds are that they are probably talking about the update in there. If you're not a P'9981 owner, don't worry because you can all get a peak at the update as well. The update is said to be hitting this week which we hope is true so Kevin can have it before BlackBerry World (or lord help us all). Check out the video above and be sure to hop in the forums for more.

RIM Introduces a New, Easy to Use and Easy to Own BlackBerry Smartphone for India

Sleek, stylish, affordable BlackBerry Curve 9220 puts Indians in control of their social life

India - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced its most affordable BlackBerry® 7 smartphone for customers in India. The new BlackBerry® Curve™ 9220 smartphone offers all the market-leading BlackBerry messaging and social-centric features that people love in India. Designed to be easy to use and easy to own, this compact and sleek smartphone provides many conveniences and applications to help keep users connected to the people and information that matter most to them. It also offers the longest lasting battery life yet in a BlackBerry Curve model, allowing users to make the most of their day.

“India is a very important market for RIM and we are extremely proud and excited to officially unveil and launch the new BlackBerry Curve 9220 for the first time here in India,” said Carlo Chiarello, SVP, Smartphone Business at Research In Motion.

“The new BlackBerry Curve 9220 offers a unique mobile experience that young Indians will love thanks to its affordable pricing and unmatched messaging and social connectivity features,” said Sunil Dutt, Managing Director for India at RIM.

The BlackBerry Curve 9220 has everything a user needs to stay socially connected throughout the day. It even features a dedicated BBM™ key, bringing the power of RIM’s popular mobile social network up in an instant. The Facebook® for BlackBerry and Twitter® for BlackBerry apps are included as well as Social Feeds, which allows users to post updates to multiple social applications simultaneously and capture updates from news sources (RSS), social apps and instant messaging apps all in one consolidated view.
Continue Reading →

Taking a look at the Three UK BlackBerry downloads page, it seems that the Torch 9810 is for 7.1.0.342, the Curve 9360 is for 7.1.0.336, while the Bold 9900 doesn't look to be showing a 7.1 update yet. So keep checking back as I'm sure it will be there soon.

If you prefer to install official updates then head on to the Three UK download pages and get installing now. Don't forget to backup before you do, even if it is an official update.

Apr 12, 2012
Verizon to raise the upgrade fee to $30 on April 22, get your BlackBerry 7 device now!

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BlackBerry 7 devices have been around for a few months, and if you haven't upgraded yet because of pricing or any other reason, you may want to reconsider. Verizon has announced that they will begin charging $30 additional for customers to use their upgrades starting on April 22. In just under two weeks that new BlackBerry 7 device that you have your eyes on will cost you $30 more, that isn't what you want, right? Whether you order online, or prefer the local store, you will likely want to grab yourself a new device before the changes take place.

This fee will help us continue to provide customers with the level of service and support they have come to expect which includes Wireless Workshops, online educational tools, and consultations with experts who provide advice and guidance on devices that are more sophisticated than ever.

Verizon does point out that if you use their trade in service you can offset this additional cost, but that is of course if you have a device that they deem worth $30.

Apr 11, 2012
BlackBerry 7 is named the most secure mobile platform for enterprises

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We know that RIM has always prided themselves in having a very secure platform for their enterprise customers, and have worked hard to maintain that through the years. Recently the folks at Trend Micro set out to test the current mobile OS platforms, and see how they compare for enterprise solutions. As expected, RIM's BlackBerry 7 took the cake for several different reasons. In the current Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environment that many companies have began allowing, each of them is a risk to the business in some way shape or form, but BlackBerry devices still remain the most secure.

What is interesting in these results is that, whilst some mobile platforms have evolved very noticeably along enterprise lines, there is still a strong ‘consumer marketing' legacy in some quarters and this is negating some of the progress made on the enterprise front. Indeed, some of the attributes we have examined in the report are still firmly ‘enterprise-unready'.”

If seeing those BlackBerry users in the US enjoying their free premium apps compliments of BlackBerry got your gears a grinding then you may just be in luck. Research In Motion has extended the premium app offer for BlackBerry 7 users to those living a little north of the border in Canada. The applications are most of the current best selling titles like Need for Speed, Beweather, Screenmuncher and a whole bunch more.Check out the full list below.

I’m sure in the list of these 17 free and premium apps you will be able to find yourself something that is both useful and entertaining. The big thing you’ll want to remember is that this offer is only available for a limited time, so get them while you can.

RIM has always prided itself on having a very secure platform, and security features have always been very important to them. BlackBerry 7, RIM's latest smartphone OS has just received security certification from TÜV Rheinland i-sec GmbH. The study found that BlackBerry 7 provides effective protection of data stored on the device, as well as proper security settings.

The downloads aren't yet available on the TELUS BlackBerry downloads page but that's only a matter of time. If you're already running the leaked version, then no matter -- stay on that release as it's identical anyway. If you need help along the way, you can head into our help forums or check out some of our BlackBerry 101 articles including How to Install or Upgrade to a new OS. If you do install this OS, hit up the forums thread below for findings, fixes and more discussion.

If you have a BlackBerry Curve 9360 Virgin Mobile Canada, you'll want to keep an eye out for system updates come Feb. 23rd. According to the documentation above, Virgin Mobile Canada will be rolling out BlackBerry 7.1 to its customer base. No mention of what version it will be upon release but OS 7.1.0.258 has leaked already so if you're impatient, you can go ahead and load that up or you can just hit that software update button tomorrow.

Note: Bell, who owns Virgin Mobile Canada has already released v7.1.0.219 for the 9360 so Virgin will likely release the same.

Despite the official announcement of BlackBerry OS 7.1 being available to all carriers, there have been a few hold-outs not willing to go ahead and get the OS out to their customers as soon as possible. T-Mobile was among them until not long ago. If you go ahead and check for system updates on your BlackBerry Bold 9900 right now, you should find OS 7.1.0.205 is readily available for download. Get to it and drop by the forums to let us know how the update went. If you're not seeing it yet, sit tight -- it should be along shortly, the interwebs are magical like that.

Feb 01, 2012
BlackBerry 7 Smartphones Certified for U.S. and Canadian Governments

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It's no secret that RIM has always been tops when it comes to security. BlackBerry smartphones have been used in government areas for years, mostly due to the ability to secure the devices and network. Today RIM announced that that BlackBerry OS 7 and 7.1 has earned FIPS 140-2 Certification by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Communications Security Establishment Canada. This means government agencies and consumers alike should be worry free when it comes to security on BlackBerry products. Keep reading for the full press release.

Hey all you BlackBerry Curve 9360 owners, now you too can upgrade to OS 7.1.0.190 that the Bold 9900, Torch 9810, and Torch 9860 previously saw. Of course, as this is a leaked OS and not official, if you choose to download it make sure you do a backup first, and let us know in the comments or forums how it works out for you.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *

RIM has announced that BlackBerry OS 7.1 will begin rolling out for devices starting today and over the coming weeks. While we've alreday seen OS 7.1 arrive on Sprint and Verizon (as well as leak for some devices), many users who don't yet have it will certainly be anxious to get their hands on an official version. The new software will include BlackBerry Tag in addition to other new features. Also on the way are updates to BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel.

Press Release

RIM Showcases New BlackBerry 7.1 OS at CES 2012

New BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel Updates Also Released

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA--(Marketwire - January 09, 2012) - (CES 2012) - A wide range of software improvements await BlackBerry® 7 smartphone customers at the BlackBerry® booth (South Hall 3 Booth # 30326) at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2012). Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM)(TSX: RIM) is showcasing the new BlackBerry® 7.1 OS as well as updates to the BBMTM (BlackBerry® Messenger), BlackBerry® TrafficTM and BlackBerry® TravelTM apps. The new OS and app updates make seizing and sharing the moment even easier.

BlackBerry 7.1 will begin rolling out from carriers around the world beginning today and over the coming weeks(1). The new releases of BBM, BlackBerry Traffic and BlackBerry Travel will be available on BlackBerry® App WorldTM beginning today.

As we learned already, Verizon is planning to roll out BlackBerry 7.1 to both the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and the BlackBerry Torch 9850 but until now, the dates for release were unknown. According to the latest information we're hearing, it won't be that long of a wait for users as the updates will start to roll out on Jan 10th and be staggered out through the 12th and 13th provided you're on an official OS. If you're already running the Sprint version of the same OS, you'll not be alerted to update.

All BlackBerry 7

So far, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the BlackBerry Curve 9360 have been the only BlackBerry 7 smartphone available in the Philippines. In the past few days this has change with RIM launching five new BlackBerry 7 devices. Technically though it is only four as one of them is just the white version of the Bold 9900. So, the new devices to make it to the islands are the BlackBerry Bold 9790, ...

Hey all you BlackBerry Curve 9360 owners, now you too can upgrade to OS 7.1.0.190 that the Bold 9900, Torch 9810, and Torch 9860 previously saw. Of course, as this is a leaked OS and not official, if you choose to download it make sure you do a backup first, and let us know in the comments or forums how it works out for you.
*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official...

RIM has announced that BlackBerry OS 7.1 will begin rolling out for devices starting today and over the coming weeks. While we've alreday seen OS 7.1 arrive on Sprint and Verizon (as well as leak for some devices), many users who don't yet have it will certainly be anxious to get their hands on an official version. The new software will include BlackBerry Tag in addition to other new features...

As we learned already, Verizon is planning to roll out BlackBerry 7.1 to both the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and the BlackBerry Torch 9850 but until now, the dates for release were unknown. According to the latest information we're hearing, it won't be that long of a wait for users as the updates will start to roll out on Jan 10th and be staggered out through the 12th and 13th provided you're on an...

Hot on the heels of the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Torch 9810 getting leaks for OS 7.1.0.190, the Torch 9860 can now be added to the list. If leaked OS' are your thing, then by all means grab your USB cable, fire up app loader, and get this bad boy installed. Don't forget to back up your data first. *OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not...

Just like the BlackBerry Bold 9900, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is now seeing a leaked version of OS 7.1.0.190. If you're looking to get you're device upgraded, now is as good a time as any. Just keep in mind it's a leaked build, back up your data and such before you load this one up. And don't forget to drop by the CrackBerry forums and let us know how things are working.
*OS Disclaimer -...

Been itching for the next release of BlackBerry 7.1 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900? Of course you have -- now, you can download the latest leaked version being 7.1.0.190. As always, back up your data before you load this one up and make sure you check out the thread if the CrackBerry forums for any bugs & fixes that are noted in this release.
*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this...

Still looking for a theme for your Bold 9900/30? Check out Avio, the first BB7 theme from HedoneDesign. Whether you are an avid traveler or prefer the comforts of home, this theme will transport you to where you want to be. The home page is styled after a vintage brown star passport, with wispy clouds in the background. Your dock is made up of 12 scrolling icons, appearing one-by-one as you...

As expected, Sprint has started to roll out BlackBerry 7.1 to other compatible devices as well and next in line is the BlackBerry Torch 9850. Many users after reading the news of the BlackBerry Bold 9930 reciving its update checked their devices as well to find BlackBerry 7.1 waiting for them. Still not listed on the Sprint BlackBerry downloads page but that will come eventually. Either way...

A few hours ago I heard a rumor that Sprint was supposed to be rolling BlackBerry 7.1 out to all compatible handsets come tomorrow and before I could even have a chance to blog the rumor up, jtels2593 and CMHBerry in the CrackBerry forums opened up a thread letting everyone know the update had indeed turned up on their devices.
For now, it appears to only be an OTA update but it's expected...

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